Things to do to engine before conversion

[Jozi]

I got a b28 from a e39 auto 5 series last weekend for cheap. I've no history or anything to go with it only that it ran before the auto box crapped itself.

Before I put it in what can I do to make the engine as good and reliable as she will be? Anything I can look at to see condition? I've not planned fitting it for awhile so lots of time to do what ever is needed to get a good running engine, or find out now before I spend money if it's a bargain I got or not.

Where to start?

[Cook318IS]

replace thermostat housing for a metal one (standard plastic ones crack), Change thermostat for a 88*C one, change the waterpump for one with a metal impellor, plugs, rocker cover gaskets. Serpentine belt tensioner (not easy to change withough removing the rad - and you'd have to remove the rad if you go for an aircon spec e36 rad), new serpentine belt, alternator (again, not easy to change with the engine in, and with the aircon rad it means taking the rad out.)

Thats all i can think of at the top of my head.

[DanThe]

What year car did it come out of? Got any pics?

[Jozi]

Thanks Cook, thats a good start for making up my list. In relation to the rad, I took the one with me from the 3e9, looks about the same size as the on on my touring (presumably the one from the iS)

Car was a 97 I think but had a 98 engine fitted. Single vanos as far as I know. Only pics I got are these

[jimmyspeed]

Single vanos as far as I know


definitely one of those - the second photo down at the front of the cylinder head is a single bulge on the intake side

a double vanos is squared off

ood luck with it !

[DanThe]

That engine should have steel liners but check for the tab under the starter area, would be worth doing a compression test first if its an unknown engine

[BadDave]

Serpentine belt tensioner

Make sure you get the updated hydraulic one and fit a new pulley at the same time

[DanThe]

Not a problem on these engines Dave, I think its down to the extra revs of the pina donks why they fail, they can be changed with the rad in place also

[Cook318IS]

they can be changed with the rad in place also

Only with two people and without it being an aircon spec rad though what a laugh that was

[DanThe]

Did mine the other week without issues, from underneath

[Cook318IS]

must be on about a different one - i'm on about the one up near the alternator. The bolt is that lil bit too long to do in place.

[DanThe]

Thats the one! I had to change it because it was bouncing a bit and making the belt squeak, 328i aircon spec rad, I have a new tensioner to fit sometime soon so have to do the job again

[Rav335uk]

Jozi, you'll be needing to change that inlet mani too.

[Jozi]

Is the 328 aircon rad the same as the 5 series one? I'm pretty sure it had aircon, I'll take a pic of it next tim I'm home.

It's on the list I'm meant to make Rav, couldn't put the engine in without it really!